The meez Podcast

#81. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey is joined by Jonathan Benno, Culinary Director of Four Twenty Five, to explore Jonathan’s remarkable culinary journey. It all began in high school, where his passion for cooking sparked a path that took him from Hawaii to culinary school, where he mastered his craft.With over 30 years of experience at some of the world's most renowned restaurants, including Per Se, Daniel, The French Laundry, and Gramercy Tavern, Jonathan shares the invaluable lesson he’s learned: attitude outweighs experience. He looks for humility and a hunger to learn in his team, recognizing that success in the culinary world requires patience, discipline, and sacrifice.As a leader, Jonathan is committed to educating and challenging his team, fostering a collaborative environment where every voice is heard.In this episode, Josh and Jonathan dive into his experience in high-pressure, elite kitchens, the inner workings of Four Twenty Five Park, and his enduring passion for Italian cuisine.Where to find Chef Jonathan Benno:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(01:47): Where Jonathan first learned how to cook(04:58): How Jonathan learned how to deal with pressure from cooking at high-pressure restaurants(13:27): Italian cooking, does it need finesse or not?(19:12): Four Twenty Five Park(23:32): What Jonathan is most excited about(27:10): How Jonathan has changed in the last decade(42:21): Family meal(46:04): What makes Jonathan angry(50:31): What is next for Jonathan

#80. In this episode of the meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with PJ Calapa, Executive Chef of Marea in NY and Beverly Hills. Chef PJ Calapa’s exposure to a broad range of cuisines and flavors began at an early age, having grown up in the Mexican border town of Brownsville, Texas. As a child, he joined his grandmother in the kitchen and later worked for his grandfather’s wholesale fish business. Calapa continued to nurture his culinary passion during undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University, when he worked on the hot line at Christopher’s World Grille. Calapa then moved to New York and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. As a CIA graduate, Calapa worked with Josh at Bouley in Tribeca, Eleven Madison Park, and Nobu 57, where he started as a line cook and quickly rose through the ranks to become executive sous chef.In 2010, Calapa joined the Altamarea Group to launch Ai Fiori, which earned threestars from The New York Times, a Michelin star, and a 2013 Star Chefs Rising Star Chef Award. Calapa then opened as executive chef at Campagna at the Bedford Post Inn. In the summer of 2016, Calapa left the Altamarea Group to open two new projects of his own. In 2017, Calapa debuted his interpretation of an iconic New York tavern in Manhattan’s West Village, The Spaniard. Calapa then brought a taste of southern Italy to Manhattan’s Flatiron district with Scampi in the fall of 2020. His thoughtful menu showcased the culinary bounty of land and sea with dishes that highlighted the uninhibited vibrance of the region – delicately composed crudos, hand-made pastas, seasonal vegetables procured from the greenmarket and masterfully prepared items on the grill. Rejoining Altamarea Group, Calapa continues his culinary journey as the Executive Chef of highly acclaimed Marea, helming the kitchen and menu development. In this episode, Josh and PJ reminisce about memories from working at Bouley together as well as experience and lessons PJ gained throughout his career path. We also discuss PJ's health journey, his experience with fatherhood, and his current accomplishments at Marea. Where to find Chef PJ Calapa:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(03:18): Bouley memories(06:10): PJ's Texas Roots (12:35): What makes great pasta(14:47): Bouley's career path(34:16): The effects of COVID on PJ(39:22): The story of The Spaniard(44:25): PJ's health journey(50:35): Marea(1:02:15): What is next for PJ(1:04:19): Message to young chefs

#79. In this episode of the meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with Melina Shannon-DiPietro, Executive Director of the MAD Foundation, to explore how MAD is transforming the hospitality industry through education, sustainability, and community-building. Melina, who has been at the helm of MAD since joining René Redzepi in Copenhagen, shares insights into how the organization is empowering chefs and food professionals to lead with purpose. From their groundbreaking MAD Academy programs, to MAD Mondays, To their incredible symposiums, Melina discusses how MAD is fostering a global network of food leaders committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable food system.They dive into MAD’s efforts to address environmental challenges by equipping hospitality professionals with the tools and knowledge to make impactful changes in their kitchens and communities. Tune in to hear how MAD is helping chefs not just cook, but change the world.Where to find Melina Shannon-DiPietro:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find MADNewsletterInstagramWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(01:17): Melina's background(13:54): How MAD helps (19:12): How NOMA is involved in MAD(22:03): MAD's academic courses(26:14): What Melina is excited about(31:28): Memories of MAD's impact(33:57): MAD Symposium & MAD Monday(39:07): Melina's day to day(41:39): MAD in the future(44:24): What Josh is excited about regarding meez

#78. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Basu Ratnam, founder of karma-infused restaurant group, INDAY. INDAY came to life while Basu was working in finance in New York City. As his career progressed, he felt increasingly disconnected from what he truly cared about. With lifelong memories of being around food and a mother who instilled the belief that food can nourish the mind, body, spirit, and community, he saw the potential of pursuing that idea through INDAY.This conversation offers an insightful look into the challenges and rewards of scaling restaurants. Basu discusses his role as a founder, emphasizing the importance of supporting and nurturing the chefs he works with, ensuring their success and happiness.Where to find Basu Ratnam:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find INDAYInstagramWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(01:17): Basu's background at Brown and favorite Providence restaurants(07:29): Basu's familial background and what his mom used to cook(10:53): Why Basu decided to open a fast-casual Indian space(16:04): The impetus for store number two(21:55): Opening restaurants and stress management(24:21): The why behind INDAY existing(32:22): Infusing mindfulness into INDAY's culture(34:57): Acquiring Beatnic(43:10): What keeps Basu up at night(47:34): What makes Basu angry

#77. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Chef Opie Crooks, a culinary talent and soon-to-be dad. Josh shares the story of how he first met Opie at an event in Washington, D.C., where Opie's graciousness and exceptional cooking left a lasting impression. Now based in Savannah, Georgia, Opie oversees culinary operations for FARM Hospitality Group, managing multiple concepts with his characteristic warmth and expertise.Recorded from the quietest spot Opie could find—a car, away from the restaurant’s generators—this conversation offers an insightful look into the challenges and rewards of growing a hospitality group. Opie discusses his role as a culinary director, emphasizing the importance of supporting and nurturing the chefs he works with, ensuring their success and innovation.Join Josh and Opie as they catch up on life, leadership, and the journey that has brought Opie to this exciting moment, just before he embarks on the new adventure of fatherhood. Congratulations, Opie!Where to find Opie Crooks:InstagramLinkedInTwitterWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(03:45): Opie's background(05:19): Culinary community in Savannah (12:56): All about FARM Hospitality Group(19:38): How Opie and his team continue to learn(25:11): The value of culinary consistency(31:50): How Opie and his wife Annie are preparing for their first child

#76. On this episode of The meez Podcast, we sit down with Alice Cheng, founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, a groundbreaking platform connecting talent and businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Alice shares her incredible journey from a role in IBM's mailroom to executive ranks on a global scale at the company. After a decade-plus career climbing the corporate ladder at lightning speed, Alice made the bold decision to leave and launch her own start-up. Inspired by helping her friends in the restaurant world with resume writing and contract negotiations, she realized the industry lacked the online tools needed for finding jobs and hiring the right people for their restaurants. In 2012, Culinary Agents was born, a place for workers to easily discover and apply to great opportunities and an all in one hiring and recruiting solution for restaurants. Tune in to hear how Alice turned a personal problem into a pioneering solution that's reshaping the future of hospitality.Where to find Alice Cheng:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find Culinary Agents:InstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(01:07): Alice's background(08:46): What influenced Alice's determination and hard work(14:21): Finding mentors and asking questions(19:36): Culinary Agents 101(24:14): How Culinary Agents has changed over the years(29:33): The future of Culinary Agents(31:56): What keeps Alice up at night(33:30): Thoughts on hiring(43:49): What makes Alice blood boiling mad

#75. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we dive deep into the culinary world of Tyler Akin, founder of Form-Function Hospitality, and a celebrated chef and restaurateur who has left an indelible mark on the East Coast's dining scene. From his early days in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was inspired by his Southern grandmother's meticulous cooking, to his time at prestigious kitchens like minibar by José Andrés and Michelin-starred Komi, Akin's journey is anything but ordinary.After leaving law school to follow his passion for food, Akin honed his craft under the mentorship of renowned chefs Johnny Monis and Michael Solomonov. His own ventures, including the acclaimed Stock in Fishtown and Res Ipsa Cafe, have garnered national recognition and cemented his reputation as a key figure in Philadelphia’s culinary renaissance.Akin's latest project, Bastia, is set to open in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. This new venture, a collaboration with Foyer Project, will transform Hotel Anna & Bel into a vibrant space, offering a leisurely café experience by day and a coastal Mediterranean restaurant by night, drawing inspiration from the sun-drenched shores of Corsica and Sardinia.As Form-Function Hospitality continues to expand with concepts like Bastia and the upcoming Caletta, Akin remains at the forefront of creating memorable dining experiences in historic spaces. Join us as we explore Tyler Akin's remarkable career, his passion for preserving culinary traditions, and the exciting new projects on the horizon.Where to find Tyler Akin:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(05:40): Tyler's Delaware roots(10:09): How Tyler got into cooking(17:57): The worst kitchen injury Tyler's seen(23:21): All about Form and Function Hospitality(30:28): Hotel Du Pont and Le Cavalier(37:46): Batista Restaurant

#74. In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey reconnects with Darleen Scherer, the founder of Black Sheep and a pioneering force in the specialty coffee world. With over 20 years of experience, Darleen has been at the helm of several successful coffee roasting companies, including Gorilla Coffee, Supercrown Coffee Roasters, and Taylor Lane Organic Coffee. Known as "The Godmother of New York Coffee," she has been recognized by The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Time Out, The Food Network, The Today Show, and The Wall Street Journal for her contributions to the industry.Darleen brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, offering insights into coffee agriculture, the art of grading beans, and what it takes to brew an exceptional cup. Beyond coffee, she delves into her alter ego as a marketer, sharing lessons from her early career in NYC ad agencies. Now, with her consultancy, she helps coffee brands grow by meeting owners and executives where they are, leveraging her own successes and challenges in the industry.Whether you're passionate about coffee or interested in brand building, this episode is a rich source of inspiration and expertise.Where to find Darleen Scherer:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(05:40): Darleen's background(09:41): How Darleen got into coffee(15:09): The process of the bean to your cup(26:02): Frozen coffee(40:49): A typical margin or EBITDA of a coffee shop when it's successful(56:06): Black Sheep and marketing on unique qualities

#73. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we sit down with Chef Jesse Ito, the Chef and Co-Owner of Royal Sushi & Izakaya in Philadelphia. A first-generation Japanese Korean American and multiple James Beard nominee, Jesse shares his remarkable journey from growing up in his family’s renowned restaurant, Fuji, in Cinnaminson, NJ, to becoming one of Philly’s most celebrated chefs.Jesse reflects on his early years learning the art of sushi from his father, Masaharu Ito, and the unique dynamic of now having his father work alongside him at his own restaurant. We explore how the traditional skills passed down from his parents have shaped his culinary approach and the challenges and joys that come with running a restaurant.Beyond his culinary expertise, Jesse opens up about the role therapy has played in his life, and how he manages stress in the demanding world of restaurant ownership. This intimate conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a chef dedicated not only to his craft but also to his personal growth.We also dive into the experience of dining at Jesse’s 8-seat sushi counter at Royal Sushi & Izakaya, where he meticulously prepares a 17-course omakase menu nightly. With exciting new ventures on the horizon, Jesse’s story is as inspiring as it is mouthwatering. Whether you’re a food lover or simply curious about the life of a top chef, this episode is a must-listen.Where to find Jesse Ito:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find Royal Izayaka:InstagramWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(05:40): When Jesse started learning sushi from his dad(17:54): What makes a great Tamagoyaki and other cooking ingredient recommendations(26:02): Jesse's preferences on uni(32:43): How Jesse deals with the tension between classical and modern sushi styles(42:12): The biggest misconception about sushi(44:28): Jesse's sobriety journey(51:53): What's next for Jesse

#72. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Will Guidara, a renowned figure in the culinary world. Will is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, once ranked as the number one restaurant in the world. He recently co-produced the hit show "The Bear" and writes the fascinating newsletter "Pre-Meal," which draws inspiration from the daily pre-meal rituals at Eleven Madison Park.Will is also the author of the acclaimed book "Unreasonable Hospitality". The book delves into the concept of unreasonable hospitality and its application in various organizations, making it essential reading for anyone in business or customer-facing roles. Will's journey includes founding the consulting firm, Thank You, and co-founding The Welcome Conference, a platform for hospitality professionals to share insights and experiences.Josh and Will share a long history, having worked together at the restaurant Tabla under Chef Floyd Cardoz over two decades ago. In this episode, they discuss a wide range of topics, including the power of journaling, leadership, management strategies, and the art of decision-making. They also touch on the challenges and joys of practicing unreasonable hospitality, even in unexpected ways.This conversation offers a rare glimpse into Will's experiences and insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in hospitality, leadership, or personal growth. Tune in to hear more about Will Guidara's remarkable journey and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.Where to find Will Guidara:InstagramLinkedInTwitterWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(02:35): Will Guidara's thoughts on daily journaling(14:18): How Will recalls important moments from the past(17:47): How Will's dad went above and beyond in parenting(27:05): How parenting evolves into leadership(29:39): The most important "unreasonable" thing that has happened to Will(34:25): The 95/5 rule(42:09): How to jumpstart a culture of Unreasonable Hospitality(43:33): What's next for Will Guidara